Good morning! It's still very dark out there - not a glimmer of morning as yet.

I've been up for an hour and have squares cooling to be taken to the Church for tomorrow. St. Paul's is 200 years old this summer and we are having an ecumenical service tomorrow for the three different congregations that used the Church. I am in Ottawa tonight but may drive like a bat out of **** to get back here for 9 a.m. tomorrow. In the meantime, my squares will be there to help feed the multitudes.

Tonight I will have dinner with the Hyper Pypers and then go to see Elaine P. in The Little Shop of Horrors. The dogs go to the kennel on my way to Ottawa. I am sooo glad that they love the kennel and pull on the leash to get in there. I may be able to do a bit of a shop on the way in to the city.

Yesterday's trip to Kingston was a bit traumatic. I had tests with the audiology department and now must admit that I really do have hearing loss! (This explains my problem following conversations in groups and also thinking everyone mumbles!) Both my parents had hearing loss but would not admit it and I refuse to be like that. I have a follow-up appointment for the end of June to get a hearing aid. Maybe I'll just get one of those old-fashioned ear horns to enhance my image as an eccentric old lady in Delta. Old age sucks but, when you examine the alternative, ...

What's happening around you this first April weekend? Please speak up and don't mumble!

__________________

Change isn’t easy. But if you don’t change, you stay the same, and where’s the fun in that?

Enjoy the show tonight, Ruth. I can clearly picture you being an active participant in the audience. I love that show and the songs, and I hope you do, too. I know I need hearing aids but will have to do without since insurance won't cover them and I'm not ready to shell out over $3000 for them. I'll have to learn to read lips, instead.

The news for my mother was not what we wanted to hear, but what we were expecting. She has lung cancer. We're all being strong and striving to think positive. Hopefully, chemo will shrink the tumor and give her a few more good years with us.

Linda, I'm so sorry about your mom's diagnosis. I'll continue to pray for her and for your family. I'm so glad that your family is trying to stay positive.

My Dad saw so many different specialists and oncologists but we heard the same thing from all of them - that my Dad's will to 'get better' was what kept him going for so long. Personally, I think prayer had more to do with it than his great attitude, but it looks like your mom's going to be covered in both departments. ((hug))

I'm guessing others may have posted while I was typing but Fergie just headed outside to warm up the car (we're heading to my mom's for the weekend) so I'm not going to take time to check. Have a great Saturday friends!

Cottage, I am so sorry. My friends father was diagnosed with lung cancer about 4 years ago and he is doing really well. The doctors even used the word "cured." He was a longtime smoker and had the most dangerous form of lung cancer. They can really do amazing things these days. I'll be praying for your mom.

Ruth, hearing loss is not always age related. I have a co-worker who is my age (44) who has hearing loss and really needs a hearing aid. My dad also needs a hearing aid and refuses to wear it. It's so much better to wear one and feel connected to the world.

As for me, woke with a *slight* hangover after our visit to friends' last night but we had so much fun it was worth it. It's on it's way out now due to coffee and lots of water, and I'm getting ready for my walk and to start the day. We've got friends coming over today at 10 for a playground visit, then it will be a low key day of food prep for tomorrow (and the week!) and a trip to our new local thrift store. Hope everyone has a great day!

Good morning I am still at my parents where both cancer and hearing loss are regular topics of conversation (some of it rather loud).

Ruth - Happy dinner and show.

Cottage - I am thinking of all of you.

Heidi - Happy weekend. How much snow did you get? A friend near the coast got almost a foot and had a 12 hour power outage

Today Mom tutors at 9 then we are off to two more thrift stores. We didn't find much yesterday so hope for more success today. Personally I just enjoy the hunt and don't actually need anything so it's fun no matter what.

Hope your Saturday includes just the right amount of the things you need.

ETA - Mathilda - happy hunting! We finally got my Dad to the audiologist last week. First stop - ear wax removal. It's taken years to get him to go, even his GD the PA couldn't convince him (and he thinks she is the most talented medical professional in the known universe )

I have a house full of boys. My DD is holding her own though, she beats all of them in Wii boxing....but one boy (2 years her senior) finally beat her...LOL! I told him he was bragging about beating a kindergarten girl .

Making food porn for breakfast (by request!). I'm trying to restrain from more than a taste test!!

Cyndi, have fun thrifting with mom. I got a nice oriental jacket at goodwill yesterday. It doesn't fit but I know it will at some point.

Kristen, it sounds like you have a busy day ahead, especially getting ready for your DS BD.

Twynn, funny about DD the boxer!

faylene, congrats! on 8 pounds down!

Me, riding my bike down to breakfast with mom. Then I think I'll see how the rototiller works over here….I may just exercise my fingers and tell DH what I want done. I did the major veggie stock up yesterday and still have a lot of washing to do.

Enjoy your Saturday, everyone. to all who arrive later….don't think I'll have internet once I get home.

im soooo surprised i lost 7lbs this week i post 8 but i miss counted... im so excited but yet still sooo far to go...tonite will be hard we have a pot luck supper at church tonite so i think i will eat before i got and hopefully that will help cuz we know there is no place like a church pot luck to find lots of carbs!! everyone have a great day

Sorry I have not been around this week. It has been busy with my husband's family here. We have been having a lot of fun and eating a TON. This definately was not a week that I was on plan. My brother-in-law is a chef and makes yummy food. It is all good because next week I am going to head back to Phase 1. Today Tanner has practice and then his first performance of Alice in Wonderland. It is especially exciting since the family gets to see it.